How long does a consumer proposal stay on your record? (2024)

A consumer proposal is a legal agreement between a debtor and their creditors that can help you manage debt and improve your credit score. But how long does a consumer proposal stay on your record? Depending on the credit reporting agency, a consumer proposal can remain on your credit report for either 3 years after you pay off all the debts included in the proposal, or 6 years after you sign the proposal, whichever is sooner. Equifax and TransUnion have different policies for when a consumer proposal is removed from your credit report, so be sure to check with your credit union to find out which policy applies to you.

Equifax

Equifax removes a consumer proposal from your credit report 3 years after you pay off all the debts included in the proposal. It is important to note that this process can take a few months, as it can take up to 90 days for creditors to report the payment to Equifax. Once the debts have been paid off, Equifax will automatically remove the consumer proposal from your credit report after the 3 year period.

TransUnion

TransUnion removes a consumer proposal from your credit report either 3 years after you pay off all the debts included in the proposal, or 6 years after you sign the proposal, whichever is sooner.

Does a Consumer Proposal Affect My Credit?

Yes, a consumer proposal can have a negative effect on your credit score. When you file a consumer proposal, your credit score will be negatively affected, just as it would be if you simply ceased to make your payments. Consumer proposals are an alternative to filing for bankruptcy in Canada. Filing a consumer proposal will typically result in an R7 rating for 6 years from the date the proposal is filed, or three years from the day the proposal is complete, whichever comes first.

How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on Credit Report in Canada?

Bankruptcy is a serious financial decision that can have a long-term impact on an individual’s credit report. In Canada, (OSB) Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy is responsible for administration of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA), as well as certain duties under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).

Once an individual is discharged from bankruptcy, the bankruptcy is typically removed from their credit report 6 years after the date they are discharged.

Credit Card with a Consumer Proposal

Having a credit card during a consumer proposal can be a great way to start rebuilding your credit history. While a consumer proposal can stay on your credit report for up to 6 years, having a credit card can help reduce the impact of this. By using your credit card responsibly, you can demonstrate to lenders that you are able to manage credit responsibly and show that you are financially responsible. This can help improve your credit score and make it easier for you to access credit in the future.

A secured credit card is a great way to rebuild your credit history after a consumer proposal. A secured credit card requires a security deposit, which is used to guarantee payment of the balance. This type of card is a safe way to build your credit score, as it will not result in any late payments or other negative activity on your credit report.

How long does a consumer proposal stay on your record? (2024)

FAQs

How long does a consumer proposal stay on your record? ›

TransUnion. TransUnion removes a consumer proposal from your credit report either 3 years after you pay off all the debts included in the proposal, or 6 years after you sign the proposal, whichever is sooner.

How long does a consumer proposal stay on record? ›

A consumer proposal will be removed from your Equifax credit report 3 years after you've paid off all the debts according to the proposal, or 6 years from the date it was filed, whichever comes first. Secured loans remain on your Equifax credit report for 6 years from the date filed.

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear? ›

Most negative items should automatically fall off your credit reports seven years from the date of your first missed payment, at which point your credit score may start rising. But if you are otherwise using credit responsibly, your score may rebound to its starting point within three months to six years.

How long does debt settlement stay on your credit report? ›

As with most other negative credit report entries, settled accounts stay on your credit reports for seven years.

How long does it take to rebuild credit after consumer proposal? ›

A Consumer Proposal will be on your credit history for the lesser of: three years after your Consumer Proposal is finished – OR – six years from the date your Consumer Proposal started.

Will my credit score go up after a consumer proposal is removed? ›

Filing a consumer proposal may hurt your credit scores, but the damage likely isn't permanent. It's possible to recover your score by practicing good financial habits, including paying bills on time and sticking to a budget.

What is the downside of a consumer proposal? ›

Disadvantages of a Consumer Proposal:

A proposal will usually take longer to complete than a bankruptcy. Lowering your monthly payment means longer time paying back, however, if your situation improves, you CAN pay off a proposal early. Credit rating is still affected – A Consumer Proposal DOES affect your credit.

What is the 609 loophole? ›

Specifically, section 609 of the FCRA gives you the authority to request detailed information about items on your credit report. If the credit reporting agencies can't substantiate a claim on your credit report, they must remove it or correct it.

Can a debt collector report after 7 years? ›

Most states have a statute of limitations that sets the time a debt collector has to take action against you — like suing you — for an old debt you haven't repaid. The statute of limitations depends on the type of debt and where you live, but for most states, it's typically three to six years.

What is the 7 year forgiveness of debt? ›

Deuteronomy 15:1-2 New Century Version (NCV)

At the end of every seven years, you must tell those who owe you anything that they do not have to pay you back. This is how you must do it: Everyone who has loaned money must cancel the loan and not make a neighbor or relative pay it back.

Is it better to settle debt or pay in full? ›

Summary: Ultimately, it's better to pay off a debt in full than settle. This will look better on your credit report and help you avoid a lawsuit. If you can't afford to pay off your debt fully, debt settlement is still a good option.

Is it worth doing a debt relief program? ›

Debt relief will also often give you a fixed payment plan and a set payoff date, which can also make it worth considering — as streamlining your payments can make it easier to manage while helping you save money on interest. "One of the biggest advantages of going through a debt relief program is the savings.

Can you have a 700 credit score with collections? ›

Yes, it's possible to achieve a higher credit score even with collections on your report, but it's more challenging. The impact of collections on your credit score diminishes over time, especially if you maintain good credit habits like making payments on time and keeping your credit utilization low.

Can you still have a credit card with a consumer proposal? ›

A Consumer Proposal is your ticket to financial stability. With Farber's friendly experts by your side, we can negotiate a manageable debt repayment plan and, eventually, debt freedom. And yes, getting a credit card during and after a Consumer Proposal is totally doable.

Can I get a second consumer proposal? ›

Fortunately, the number of consumer proposals you can file in a lifetime is unlimited. But it would be best if you were entirely sure it is the right solution for your financial situation. The following article looks at the benefits of consumer proposals and when it makes sense to file a second one.

Can I get a credit card if I have a consumer proposal? ›

One option to build credit is to apply for a secured credit card while going through a consumer proposal. A secured credit card will help you build a positive credit history when used responsibly.

Does a consumer proposal show up on a credit check? ›

And, yes, filing a consumer proposal will affect your credit rating – but there's more to the story. If you file a consumer proposal, your credit score will be negatively affected, just as it would be if you simply ceased to make your payments.

What happens to unpaid credit card debt after 7 years? ›

After seven years, unpaid credit card debt falls off your credit report. The debt doesn't vanish completely, but it'll no longer impact your credit score. MoneyLion offers a service to help you find personal loan offers based on the info you provide, you can get matched with offers for up to $50,000 from top providers.

Do you have to get rid of credit cards in a consumer proposal? ›

When you file for a consumer proposal, you will have to hand in any credit cards that are part of the proposal. The creditors will freeze or close the credit card for which you previously qualified. You might have a credit card with a zero balance or a credit balance not included in the proposal.

How do you get rid of a consumer proposal? ›

Once your consumer proposal is approved or deemed approved by the court, you can no longer change your mind and withdraw your proposal. You can only get out of a court-approved proposal by completing the proposal payments, letting the proposal become annulled by missing three months or filing bankruptcy.

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